Position Sensor Dual Track Segmentation Long Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Position sensors with magnetic sensors face challenges in detecting positions over long strokes without increasing sensor size, as larger magnets and greater gaps are required to maintain magnetic field intensity, leading to larger sensor sizes.
Innovation Solution
A position sensor design with magnets arranged in two tracks, utilizing dual magnetic field detecting elements and processors to output specific voltages based on magnetic field intensity and angle, allowing for precise position detection without the need for larger magnets or gaps, thereby maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If magnets are arranged in series in a single track to detect long stroke positions, then the detection range is extended, but the size of the position sensor increases due to larger magnets and increased gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single track into two separate tracks (first track and second track), with magnets arranged in series in each track. This segmentation allows the magnetic sensor to detect positions over a longer stroke by switching between tracks while maintaining a compact sensor structure, as each track uses smaller magnets with appropriate spacing rather than requiring one large magnet array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single track arrangement to a two-dimensional dual track arrangement. By positioning magnets in two parallel tracks and using a magnetic sensor with multiple detecting elements, the system achieves extended detection stroke in the longitudinal direction while maintaining compact transverse dimensions, effectively utilizing spatial dimensionality to resolve the contradiction.
2Length of moving object
If the gap between magnets and magnetic sensor is increased to cover long stroke, then the detection range is extended, but the magnetic field intensity decreases requiring larger magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection stroke into multiple sections, each covered by a track with appropriately sized magnets. By dividing the long stroke into shorter segments handled by individual tracks, the system maintains sufficient magnetic field intensity in each segment while achieving overall long stroke coverage through the combination of multiple tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different magnetic field characteristics to different local regions (tracks) based on their specific detection requirements. Each track is optimized with magnet size and spacing suitable for its local detection range, allowing the system to maintain high magnetic field intensity locally while achieving global long stroke coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate position detection over long strokes while keeping the sensor size minimal, reducing the volume and cost of the position sensor and simplifying installation, while maintaining detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic sensor detects a change of a magnetic field that is caused by the relative movement, and thereby detects the positions of the magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A position sensor is provided that can detect a position along a long stroke and that can limit an increase in size.A magnetic sensor has a first magnetic field detecting element that is positioned in a first track; a first processor 4A that outputs voltage VM1 when intensity of a first magnetic field that is applied to the first magnetic field detecting element is equal to or larger than a threshold and that outputs predetermined high voltage VH when the intensity of the first magnetic field is less than the threshold, wherein the voltage VM1 is voltage between predetermined low voltage VL and the high voltage VH and indicates positions of the magnets relative to the first magnetic field detecting element; a second magnetic field detecting element that is positioned in a second track; and a second processor 4B that outputs the low voltage VL when intensity of a second magnetic field that is applied to the second magnetic field detecting element is less than the threshold and that outputs voltage VM2 when the intensity of the second magnetic field is equal to or larger than the threshold, wherein the voltage VM2 is voltage between the low voltage VL and the high voltage VH and indicates positions of the magnets relative to the second magnetic field detecting element.